Do I get extra points for neatness?

Yesterday morning I had a brunch for my little family, my Mom and Dad, and my brother and his wife to celebrate Mother's Day. The weather was wretched--I've not seen such a drenching, non-stop rain in a long time! Lots of wind, too. So it was nice to sit in the warm kitchen and have mimosas and a nice hot breakfeast souffle, sausages, coffee, and fresh strawberries.

After eating, I took my Mom down to my "studio" to show her what I'm working on (Willow Tree Hill), and I showed her how I'm using my Janome's decorative stitches to make the willow tree branches. Being a Virgo (liking things orderly and neat and tidy), my Mom flipped over the block and commented about how neat the back was! I hadn't given it too much thought--I mean, I focus a lot of energy on the front of the block (and I am kind of persnikety about neatness), but I didn't give much thought to the idea that I'm fussy about being neat on the back, too! Do quilters get extra credit for neatness on the back?

I found one more variegated thread for the branches--it is a King Tut 40 wt. called "Bulrushes." Now I'm satisfied that the variety of tree branch colors is a good match to the very scrappy nature of the blocks.

DH is getting on my case about not trying out my Voyager 17 set up. He's absolutely correct--I am stalled out on it.........I am having a fear of failure and fear of wrecking it. Need to shake it off, I know. For right now, it is comforting to be noodling around with Willow Tree Hill.

OK--one last picture: My favorite flower of all time--probably even more than freesias: Lily of the Valley. I have a vase on my nightstand and the incredible scent of these little beauties sends me right off to sleep!